The Coast House is a small holiday house located on the rugged South Coast of New Zealand. The site faces North, gently descending to the dunes, with windswept trees inspiring the low, grounded form. The structure is bedded into the landscape, hunkering down from the harsh coastal weather. Materials and colours are deliberately pared back so as not to compete with the natural environment.
The two forms collide, with the black form dominating the brown. Inspired by the ocean waves journeying from the distant mountains across the bay and crashing into the shore. The house is wrapped around a large windswept native beech tree, and opens reveal views across dunes, the ocean and snow capped mountains. Entry is through the brown grounded form. The exterior has been prepared for native plants to eventually climb over and conceal it. The entrance area is designed for coats and boots to be stored.
The interior is oriented for sun, views and solar gain. Materials are raw and stripped back internally with a reduced palette of two internal linings matching the two external claddings. The home features extremely low energy use, with SIPs construction and a wood burning fire for heating. Rainwater is collected from the roof. The home was designed to be sustainable, with a small environmental impact. It is also relocatable should sea levels rise. The Clients wanted a discrete hideaway retreat that was warm and luxurious. Making the most of a remote site with coastal views... on a very small budget.
Design notes
• Visual interest is achieved through texture and form.
• The grounded brown form, conceals a large woodshed.
• Rubbish bins are concealed on the opposite side.
• Tools and sporting equipment concealed beside front door.
• The entry provides extensive interior storage.
• Bedrooms are at separate ends of the house for privacy.
• The table tennis table was incorporated at client request.
• Large comfortable sofas anchor the relaxing zone.
• Kitchen is understated. Client wanted a ‘holiday feel’.
• Nostalgic elements reflect traditional Kiwi ‘baches’ or ‘cribs’.
Sustainability Considerations
• Modest size.
• Designed with Passive House ideology to require minimal heating.
• Sustainably sourced materials where possible.
• Locally sourced materials and trades.
• Wood burning fire for heating.
• Ventilation system with through wall ‘heat exchange’ vents.
• SIPs construction.
• SIPs were not overlined, reducing materials, labour, and waste.
• Locally sourced recycled wool insulation in ceiling.
• Rooftop rainwater collection.
• Pre-wired for solar panel installation.
• Locally fabricated powdercoated aluminium windows.
• Exterior clad with colour coated steel for low maintenance.
• Plumbing and Electrical fittings are not on external walls to minimize heat loss.
• Single bathroom.
The site
• Omaui is a small settlement, on the South Coast of New Zealand.
• Originally settled by Māori, later used as a whaling and sealing base.
• Site Size 911m2
• North facing with all day sun.
• Views across the bay to Oreti Beach and the mountains of Fiordland.
• Native bush reserve behind the site with abundant bird life.
• Extensive sea life with dolphins, seals, orca.
• The owners holidayed on the land, camping over a ten year period before commissioning the design.
